Dr. Kim Selkoe hails from the Boston area where she took scuba diving lessons as a young girl. She studied Biology in college and received her PhD in Marine Biology from UCSB.  She is the first director of FishSB, a joint initiative of the SB Region Chamber of Commerce and Commercial Fishermen of Santa Barbara. Her goal is to increase interest in local seafood and to protect and increase the economic health of fisheries. 

 She will also be working to dispel much of the misinformation surrounding seafood, such as unfounded fears about the impacts of the Refugio Oil Spill, which never reached far enough offshore to affect commercial fisheries, and domoic acid levels in crabs.  Funding for this project has been obtained with a settlement grant from Plains.

Some interesting facts she pointed out:

Seafood is the primary source of protein for 1 billion people in the world.

Locally about 150 boats bring in 11 million pounds of 30 species of seafood, 95% of which goes to LA for processing and distribution.  The seafood industry has the lowest carbon emitter ratios, almost 9 times less than beef.

California has the strictest marine protected area regulations in the world, but they appear to be working.

Two main upcoming plans are (1) Maritime Community Sustainability Plan to create more thriving coastal economy for Santa Barbara, and (2) Santa Barbara Fish Hub to increase access to healthy local seafood. She hopes to reboot the Saturday Fisherman’s Market and the pier across from Brophy Bros. 

 

Lots of very interesting questions and answers.  Great program.